The definition of Solat linguistically means prayer and technically it means an act of worship. It is the second pillar of islam, the prophet peace be upon him said in the hadith nabawiyy;
بُنِيَ الْإِسْلَامُ عَلَى خَمْسٍ: شَهَادَةِ أَنْ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ، وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ، وَإِيتَاءِ
الزَّكَاةِ، وَحَجِّ الْبَيْتِ، وَصَوْمِ رَمَضَان
“Islam is built upon five (pillars): The testimony that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the Solat (prayer), paying the Zakat, making the Hajj (pilgrimage) to the (Sacred) House, and Fasting in Ramadhan.” (Muttafaqun ‘Alayh).
It is obligatory for every muslim to observe solat at its appropriate time. The prophet peace upon him said in hadith
مسلم والكافر ترك الصلاة الفرق بين
“The difference between a muslim and a disbeliever is to abandon solat”
The following are the importance of solat;
1. Solat is important and compulsory upon every muslim as it is the first deed they would be asked about in the grave. The prophet peace be upon him said in the hadith;
إِنَّ أَوَّلَ مَا يُحَاسَبُ بِهِ الْعَبْدُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مِنْ عَمَلِهِ صَلاَتُهُ فَإِنْ صَلُحَتْ فَقَدْ أَفْلَحَ وَأَنْجَحَ وَإِنْ
فَسَدَتْ فَقَدْ خَابَ وَخَسِر
“The first of man’s deeds for which he will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be Solat. If it is found to be good, he will be safe and successful; but if it is problematic, he will be unfortunate and at loss.” (Sunan At-Tirmizi)
2. Solat helps muslims to abstain from indecency and wickedness as it is mentioned in the quran;
ٱتْلُ مَآ أُوحِىَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَأَقِمِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلْفَحْشَآءِ وَٱلْمُنكَرِ ۗ وَلَذِكْرُ
ٱللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ
“Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer should deter (the doer) from indecency and wickedness.”
(Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:45).
3. Solat helps to eradicate sins: Abu Hurairah r.a. reported that “I heard the Messenger of Allah s.a.w. saying:
أَرَأَيْتُمْ لَوْ أَنَّ نَهَرًا بِبَابِ أَحَدِكُمْ، يَغْتَسِلُ فِيهِ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ خَمْسًا مَا تَقُولُ ذَلِكَ يُبْقِي مِنْ دَرَنِهِ
“Say, if there was a river at your doorstep in which you take a bath five times a day, would any dirt remain?”
The companions replied, “No dirt would be left on the person.”
The Prophet s.a.w. then said:
فَذَلِكَ مِثْلُ الصَّلَوَاتِ الْخَمْسِ يَمْحُو اللَّهُ بِهَا الْخَطَايَا
“That is the five (obligatory) Solat (prayers). Allah obliterates all sins as a result of performing them.” ( Muttafaqun ‘Alayh).
This is also what a righteous Muslim does to observe 2 units of prayer for forgiveness. This act can be done at any time and the best time to pray and it is usually accepted is in the middle of the night (Tahajjud).
4. Solat is a Means To Attain Allah’s Love and Become Closer To Him: Observing solat is a means to draw closer to Allah as it is mentioned in the Quran.
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِى عَنِّى فَإِنِّى قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا۟ لِى وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا۟ بِى لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ
“When My servants ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. So let them respond ˹with obedience˺ to Me and believe in Me, perhaps they will be guided ˹to the Right Way” Al-Baqarah – Verse 186.
5. Solat in Congregation is a Communal Affair:
This results in strengthening the brotherhood in the community. This communal affair of praying together strengthens the relationships among community members, creating a sense of togetherness and support. It allows individuals to connect on a spiritual level, sharing a common devotion and dedication to their faith. Through the act of congregational prayer, people develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for one another, fostering a sense of harmony and solidarity.
6. Solat is important as whoever observes it till the day of judgement would be granted paradise. It is through this profound devotion and submission to the divine commandments that believers hope to secure their place in the eternal abode of paradise, where they will be granted boundless rewards and blessings beyond imagination.
Solat is an integral part of Islam which every Muslim holds on to because it is the key to Jannah. This religious practice plays a pivotal role in the lives of believers, serving as a means of connecting with Allah, seeking His guidance, and demonstrating their devotion and submission to Him. Muslims understand that through the regular performance of solat, they are able to purify their souls, earn blessings from their Creator, and ultimately increase their chances of being granted eternal bliss in the afterlife. Moreover, solat serves as a constant reminder of one’s duty to worship Allah and align their actions with the teachings of Islam, fostering a sense of discipline, mindfulness, and spiritual growth within the hearts and minds of believers. Thus, solat holds immense significance in the lives of Muslims and is considered a fundamental pillar of their faith, facilitating their journey towards spiritual enlightenment and the attainment of Jannah.
Written by: Brother Adunola Abdussobur
